The Water Leak Saga Continues...

Marmot

Dec 31, 2022

This update is more as a reference for others in case someone else experiences the same issue and is looking for more information.

I have had quite a large leak on the front passenger side of the Bronco when it rains (has not had heavy snow sit on it [yet]). The first time, I found quite a large puddle on the passenger side floor. Water was coming into the vehicle from the upper airbag compartment (located above the passenger seat) and down the A pillar. It was taken into the shop and a seal replaced. Did not fix the issue, as it was the same situation when it rained again next (this was about 2-weeks ago). Took it in a second time and there was much more done to remedy (replaced all seals, glue, sealer, strip calk in body seams, header seal). It rained again the last 2 nights and unfortunately the issue persists...

This time when going out to assess the leak I noticed nothing was coming in from the airbag compartment, just in from down the A pillar. However, I noticed a little moisture at the seam of the upper airbag compartment so I pushed on it. Water came pouring out.

I did notice there are quite a lot of other complaints related to this issue and a service bulletin (SB) had been issued (SB 21-2403). The main cause tied to this SB are excess body gaps that require additional sealant to fill in the space (see figure 8 from SB below).

In addition to going to trying to work this issue out with the dealer I have two (2) case numbers with Ford, but those have not gone anywhere. I just get case numbers. From there it's radio silence, but I also understand there isn't much they can do but send me to a dealer.

I really, really love this vehicle. The quality issues Ford is facing is unfortunate. I am going to work with my dealer on round three to try to get this resolved. If it fails again, I don't know...

Figure 8 from SB 21-2403

Laura, BuckYeah

Last edited by a moderator: Dec 31, 2022

Sort by date

Reaction Score

Mar 02, 2023

#20

2023 Badlands, 1 month old today, water leaking in a piller, passenger side, r and r top panels, still leaking, at the dealership right now. Waiting for Ford tech hotline to wave the all knowing answer, no holding much hope unfortunately. My 1996 Bronco has had a leak in in rear tailgate area for 15 years, if I have to live with a leaking Bronco, I will lemon law the 23 and keep the 1996.

Attachments

20230226_141525.jpg 4000 x 1848 · 578.83 KB

20230226_140909.jpg 4000 x 1848 · 933.14 KB

20230226_141534.jpg 4000 x 1848 · 849.97 KB

20230226_140909.jpg 4000 x 1848 · 933.14 KB

Deano Bronc, Bronco 202?

Mar 02, 2023

#21

PEFLYERS
2023 Badlands, 1 month old today, water leaking in a piller, passenger side, r and r top panels, still leaking, at the dealership right now. Waiting for Ford tech hotline to wave the all knowing answer, no holding much hope unfortunately. My 1996 Bronco has had a leak in in rear tailgate area for 15 years, if I have to live with a leaking Bronco, I will lemon law the 23 and keep the 1996.

You’re not alone the brand new bronco raptor has a leaking top also. If you watch the YouTube channel light bright you will see their new Ford bronco Raptor leaks like a sieve just think about how people are spending over $100,000 on a bronco and Ford cannot fix a simple leak. 🤬

Marmot

Mar 02, 2023

#22

Threads like this remind me how lucky I got in playing the Bronco lottery (by buying one at all)

Mar 02, 2023

#23

Bronco 202?
You’re not alone the brand new bronco raptor has a leaking top also. If you watch the YouTube channel light bright you will see their new Ford bronco Raptor leaks like a sieve just think about how people are spending over $100,000 on a bronco and Ford cannot fix a simple leak. 🤬

It's been an absolute crazy process, but I am happy to report that after the 4th time back to the dealer and after a few very heavy rainstorms, Saddlebag is fixed, back in the driveway, and bone dry on the inside when it rains.

In the end and after all is said and done, they replaced side seal to front passenger HT panel; completed service bulletin #SB 21-2403 (complete replacement of header seal at across top of windshield and 3M Strip-Calk all body seams across front underneath header seal); replaced the passenger side front roof panel; replaced of all seals tied to the front passenger roof panel; replacement of rear seal connected to mid-panel that runs side-to-side.

The two main culprits seemed to have been the header seal and the mid-panel seal that runs side-to-side on the vehicle (as show below). After Ford engineering got involved and after extensive hose & rain testing, they were able to find the leak. They even did a series of borescope tests to ensure there was no more moisture getting into the vehicle.

@PEFLYERS That looks exactly like my situation. Make sure they perform SB 21-2403 and replace the mid-panel seal. It was very much tied to that mid-panel seal but the SB is important to fill in body gaps under the header seal. If this last time at the dealer didn't fix the issue I was going to lemon law it. Also, and so you are aware, there is a wire harness about dash level inside the A pillar on the passenger side that is not water/moisture protected. Mine was fine but I feel it is worth noting.

@Bronco 202? I haven't seen that but I will check it out. Very unfortunate.

@Sulley What's funny is I consider myself lucky in other areas. No sounds, clicks, creaks, noises, or other small issues I have seen by countless others. It's been completely solid other than the water leak, which I know is a very major issue. I am happy now that it is fixed.

BuckYeah, Laura

Mar 02, 2023

#24

Thanks for the update. I’m happy your bronco will not drowned or rust away. 😃

Marmot

Mar 11, 2023

#25

Well, I'm glad it has been documented, I found this thread, and that there is a fix for it. I have just found the exact same issue in my 4 door WT. A pillar passenger side leaking and airbag "crying". I will go to the dealership show them the miniclip, mention the SB and point to this thread. I will have them check any components like wires or airbags that may have been damaged as a result of the water intrusion.
Also, not sure if this is a gradual deterioration of the seals. We have been through actual rain storms and countless carwashes without any leaks. Yesterday, the rain was super light and it leaked.

Deano Bronc, LoneRanger

Mar 12, 2023

#26

Mobius 1
Well, I'm glad it has been documented, I found this thread, and that there is a fix for it. I have just found the exact same issue in my 4 door WT. A pillar passenger side leaking and airbag "crying". I will go to the dealership show them the miniclip, mention the SB and point to this thread. I will have them check any components like wires or airbags that may have been damaged as a result of the water intrusion.
Also, not sure if this is a gradual deterioration of the seals. We have been through actual rain storms and countless carwashes without any leaks. Yesterday, the rain was super light and it leaked.

Hi, @Mobius 1 . Sorry to hear about your leak. I will say, if you’ve removed your hard top recently, try taking the front and mid panels back off and dropping them back in, being careful about alignment and seal placement. The mid panel especially. If you haven’t removed the panels I would definitely get it to your dealer as soon as possible.

Mobius 1

Mar 13, 2023

#27

Marmot
Hi, @Mobius 1 . Sorry to hear about your leak. I will say, if you’ve removed your hard top recently, try taking the front and mid panels back off and dropping them back in, being careful about alignment and seal placement. The mid panel especially. If you haven’t removed the panels I would definitely get it to your dealer as soon as possible.

Hello @Marmot,
I took my front panels off about two months ago. It has rained significantly since then, we have driven through downpours without any leak issues. And then, on the lightest sprinkle .... Leaks. At first, I was in shock, laughed and cried, perhaps a little swearing, and then I took a 3 second video. The dealer will call me today or tomorrow to schedule a service "they need authorisation for this type of service". My dealer is a high volume dealer so I anticipate a week or even two weeks wait time. In the meantime I will reseat the panels make sure the seals are good. Thank you for the suggestion.

Deano Bronc, BuckYeah

Mar 16, 2023

#28

3 15 2023 update. Source of leak found, right side of center top section not sealing at all, by over an eighth of an inch, new panel ordered, installed, no more leak. And side note, quieter... now I can start installing mods.

Ditchrunner, Bronco 202?

Mar 16, 2023

#29

PEFLYERS
3 15 2023 update. Source of leak found, right side of center top section not sealing at all, by over an eighth of an inch, new panel ordered, installed, no more leak. And side note, quieter... now I can start installing mods.

Excellent!

Deano Bronc

Mar 24, 2023

#30

Dropped my Bronco off at the Ford dealer on Monday 3/20/23, the advisor said it would take a couple of days. On 3/23 I reached out and he stated "they are still investigating the leakage" .....starting to experience Bronco withdrawal.

Ditchrunner, Jakob1972

Mar 24, 2023

#31

Mobius 1

Dropped my Bronco off at the Ford dealer on Monday 3/20/23, the advisor said it would take a couple of days. On 3/23 I reached out and he stated "they are still investigating the leakage" .....starting to experience Bronco withdrawal.

The withdrawal is real! Ha. The last time mine was in the shop they had it for a couple of weeks. As a joke I said, "getting it back was like taking delivery all over again." I hope it gets squared away quickly for you.

BuckYeah, Mobius 1

Mar 25, 2023

#32

Marmot
The withdrawal is real! Ha. The last time mine was in the shop they had it for a couple of weeks. As a joke I said, "getting it back was like taking delivery all over again." I hope it gets squared away quickly for you.

Thanks Marmot,
You are correct, it feels like the first time (queue Foreigner), last update from the dealer was they adjusted the latches, and the leak was still there. They are ordering a brand new seal. No ETD yet. In the meantime, I have been trolling the forums and looking at everyone's Bronco pictures.

Marmot, Deano Bronc

Mar 29, 2023

#33

Yay, my Bronco is back from the dealer. Had a seal replaced, adjusted the windshield wiper motor, and got an oil change while it was there. It's supposed to rain tomorrow. Let's see if the new seal stopped the leak.

Ditchrunner, TK1215

Mar 29, 2023

#34

Mobius 1
Yay, my Bronco is back from the dealer. Had a seal replaced, adjusted the windshield wiper motor, and got an oil change while it was there. It's supposed to rain tomorrow. Let's see if the new seal stopped the leak.

Good luck!

2022 Bronco Badlands, 4D, Hot Pepper Red, 2.7, Squatch, Lux, and MIC.
7/13/2020 10:04pm reservation. Blend 6/16/2022 Delivered 6/26/2022.
Dealership - Stephen's Auto Center.

TK1215, Laura

Apr 02, 2023

#35

Deano Bronc
Good luck!

Well it looks like we have no leaks. We got a couple of showers this week and no leaks to report. Let's see if it holds.

Darrel, Deano Bronc

Apr 03, 2023

#36

Mobius 1
Well it looks like we have no leaks. We got a couple of showers this week and no leaks to report. Let's see if it holds.

Good deal!

Deano Bronc, Mobius 1

Apr 14, 2023

#37

Mobius 1
Well it looks like we have no leaks. We got a couple of showers this week and no leaks to report. Let's see if it holds.

😡 Spoke too soon. The stupid leak is back. Same side, same issue, same MO. Very light rain not even to use an umbrella and next morning, LEAK !!! Sent message to Dealer .... Doubt I'll hear from them today being Friday and all 🤦🏻

Deano Bronc, Laura

Apr 15, 2023

#38

Mobius 1
😡 Spoke too soon. The stupid leak is back. Same side, same issue, same MO. Very light rain not even to use an umbrella and next morning, LEAK !!! Sent message to Dealer .... Doubt I'll hear from them today being Friday and all 🤦🏻

Hi there! Can you please send over a private message with your VIN and the name/location of the Ford dealer you have been working with? I would like to see what I can do to assist with your leak concerns!

Rydfree

May 17, 2023

#39

I am getting water through the back window or windshield wiper - not sure yet. But when I open the back window there is water in the channel on the back window. Wondering if others are having this problem. I have a 2022 two-door.

TK1215

You must log in or register to post here.